Download Examples and Nonexamples

Examples and Non-examples
Classroom Set
Directions: For each of the following listed below, write on loose-leaf whether it is an
example or non-example of evolution. If it is an example, it is something that is true
about evolution. If it is a non-example, then it is not true about evolution.
1. Scientists believe that the first organisms on Earth lived in the ocean.
2. Scientists believe that the first organisms on Earth were prokaryotic and lived in the
ocean floor.
3. Changes in a species occur through mutations in DNA that happen in a sperm or egg
cell.
4. All mutations in DNA that occur in sperm or egg cells result in a change in the
phenotype of the offspring.
5. An example of natural selection would be if an organism had a mutation in its DNA
that occurred before birth, was born with a superior phenotype, and then survived to
reproduce and pass on its new trait.
6. A mutation in DNA in a sperm or egg cell always results in a positive change in the
organism.
7. A mutation in DNA in a sperm or egg cell may cause a change in the phenotype that
cannot be seen.
8. An organism can acquire new traits as it increases the amount of DNA throughout its
lifetime.
9. An organism can learn new skills during its lifetime and then pass those skills on to
offspring through DNA.
10. In sexual organisms, mating has to occur for natural selection to occur.
11. If a species has traits that are not suitable to survival in its environment, then it is
likely to go extinct.
12. Scientists have named and described organisms from the past. They have created
timelines that show changes in species over time.
13. A timeline showing the evolution of an organism may include aspects such as:
changes in phenotype, social behaviors, and eating habits.
14. Evolution of a species occurs every generation.
15. In general, evolution occurs slowly.
16. Scientists believe that species evolve gradually. For example, organisms that first
moved to land were crawling insects or amphibious creatures.
17. Evolution of an organism results in an increase in the size of its brain.
18. Organisms have to learn a skill in order to possess it.
19. Phenotype is influenced both by genotype and the environment.
20. Successful evolution of an organism may lead to extinction of another living in the
same habitat. This is part of the natural selection process.
21. Organisms get smarter as they evolve.
22. Migration is a part of evolution because it can lead to speciation.
23. Many factors in an environment may lead to migration.